Hastings Choral Society

11/10/2026

06/10/2026

MEET THE CHOIR – PETER FRIZZELL, BASS

For over 20 years, Peter Frizzell has been a much-loved and steadfast member of the Hastings Choral Society. With his rich bass voice, good humour and generous spirit, he has become an important part of the choir and a familiar and valued friend to many of its members.

Peter joined during the time of conductor Kath Barry who was the Director of the Choir from 1986 until she retired in 2004, and has been holding down the bass line ever since. Through countless rehearsals, performances and concerts, his commitment and reliability have helped give the bass section its strength and character. His long service is a wonderful reflection of his love of singing and the friendships he has built along the way.

Before retiring, Peter enjoyed a fascinating career as a civil engineer, working on a wide range of projects. His experience included involvement at Napier Port, hydro-related work, surveying and even underwater survey work, carrying out soundings and measurements.

These days, Peter continues to enjoy the music, companionship and sense of community that make the Hastings Choral Society so special. His presence is warmly appreciated, his friendship is valued, and his voice remains an essential part of the choir’s sound.

After more than two decades of singing with us, Peter is truly part of the fabric of the Hastings Choral Society, and we are delighted to celebrate him and all he contributes to the bass section.

06/10/2026

SAVE THE DATE - The Hastings Choral Society is excited to present the Hastings Choral – Joyful & Triumphant Christmas Concert taking place on Sunday 6 December 2026, 2.00pm, St Matthew’s Church, King Street, Hastings. Tickets: Adults $25, school students $5, with pre-purchased tickets directly from choir members $22. For more information contact by email [email protected]

01/10/2026

Good afternoon fellow choristers !
Attached is a poster concerning the next “Around the Piano” Concert at midday on the first Wednesday of the month (7 October), because I believe many of you will enjoy the programme being presented by Choralairs.

This choir was established approximately 30 years’ ago by some members of the Hastings
Choral Society who were free during the day and wished to share their music with people in local rest homes. This continues to be a regular part of the choir’s activity, but the Choir also regularly performs at lunches, Retirement Villages and at public concerts (such as this one on 7 October and at the Hastings Music Society’s Concert on Sunday 8 November).

The choir has an extensive repertoire and rehearses every week for an hour and a half. It was recognised a few years ago with a Civic Award by the Hastings District Council for its contribution to music in the District.

If you decide to attend, you will see at a few familiar faces!

The audiences are usually large, so I recommend you get to the Havelock North Function Centre early on Wednesday 7 October to get your favourite seat!!

29/09/2026

MEET ROBIN KIDD - one of our valuable basses in our choir!

Robin Kidd has been singing with the Hastings Choral Society for around four years, bringing with him a lifelong enjoyment of music and singing.

Robin says he enjoys all kinds of music, and singing has been part of his life for many years. Originally Presbyterian, he grew up with church choirs and has been involved with choirs at different times throughout his life.

“I enjoy any music,” Robin says. “I’ve always been a little bit involved with choir.”

He especially enjoys being part of the Hastings Choral Society and the friendships and camaraderie that come with singing together. After the winter months, Robin says it is lovely to see everyone coming back together — particularly as the choir begins preparing for Christmas, one of his favourite times of the year to sing.

But there is much more to Robin’s story.

Although he is supposedly retired, something he admits he is “not very good at” Robin keeps himself busy doing practical work around Summerset villages, including building trellises and laying paving.

Before retirement, Robin spent an impressive 33 years teaching people how to shear sheep.

His career also connected him with legendary New Zealand shearer Godfrey Bowen, who pioneered the Bowen technique and helped revolutionise sheep shearing in New Zealand. During the 1980s, Robin worked as Bowen’s second-in-command with the New Zealand Wool Board’s shearing training programme, helping pass those skills on to generations of shearers.

From the shearing sheds to the choir stalls, Robin has certainly lived a life filled with hard work, music and plenty of stories to tell.

We’re delighted to have Robin as part of our Hastings Choral Society whānau.

22/09/2026

🎶 Meet Our Choir Member – Dru Rose🎶

Dru has sung in choirs for most of her life and joined the Hastings Choral Society soon after moving to Hawke’s Bay. Finding a local choir was one of the first things she and her husband did, and they have been valued members ever since.

A retired mathematics teacher, Dru continues to work as a relief teacher. She is also a talented violinist with the Hawke’s Bay Community Orchestra and serves as Treasurer of our choir committee, a role she has often taken on in the musical groups she has belonged to.

Dru brings a wonderful combination of musical talent, dedication and practical support to our choir. We are very fortunate to have her as part of the Hastings Choral Society whānau.

Tonight we finished a little earlier than usual so I also took the opportunity to take a group photo.

The beautiful couple are Mike and Dru Rose.